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Artist Market opens Saturday on the square in Danielsville

Posted: Wednesday, November 05, 2008

By Lauren Peeples

As the annual Madison County Artist Market approaches Saturday, Colbert resident Beth Carter is busy preparing for her first venture into this annual event that takes place at the old Madison County Courthouse in Danielsville.

"My new line, 'Glass With a Past,' incorporates recycled glass from wine and beer bottles," she said. "So my work is basically displayed around the necks and on the ears of satisfied customers throughout the United States."

Carter became interested in art early in life.

"I have always been drawing, even at a young age," she said. "My parents encouraged my interest and at Christmas I often received art or craft-related gifts."

She began formal art training and became an art teaching assistant during her junior year in high school.

"I was chosen to participate in a prestigious gifted program and my work received numerous awards at competition," she said. "During my senior year, my design and layout for a scholastic newspaper contest won first-place in (the) state."

As an adult, Carter sidestepped her love of art and entered the corporate world.

"Like many artists, I felt restricted and unfulfilled," she said about her career. "In 2003, I began designing and handcrafting jewelry. Then in 2007, I took a fusing class and introduced it into my pieces as well."

On average, Carter dedicates the majority of her time to her creations.

"I work full time. If I am not designing, then I am in production, scheduling, doing administrative tasks or reading industry publications to keep current with trends and styles. Since I make all the jewelry and run the business, I wear all the hats."

According to Carter, originality and quality makes her work unique. "All of the designs are mine, from concept to completion. You'll find some uncommon material and color combinations, plus there are natural variations in each piece ensuring its uniqueness. I also pay a great deal of attention to detail and quality," she said.

Art gives Carter a chance to release her imagination.

"It provides freedom to get lost in the process and not have to be dictated by others. I gave up my childhood passion many years ago and returning to it has been wonderfully liberating. Being creative is great for the mind and soul. It is exhausting and fulfilling at the same time, but it is 100 percent me," she said.

Carter has lived in Madison County for three years.

"After living in the metro Atlanta area for over 13 years, it didn't feel like home. Madison County is a great fit. We enjoy getting to know the people around us and we can do that here. Folks are definitely a lot friendlier," she said.

"I am looking forward to meeting more of my fellow Madison County neighbors in addition to networking with other local artists," she said. "The people of this area embrace and support the art community like I have never seen before and it is fantastic."

With approximately 25 area artists, the Artist Market will feature a variety of work, including jewelry, pottery, folk art, glass and needlework.

"The event is an opportunity for Madison County residents to do some in-county holiday shopping while supporting the artist community," said Laura Bowen, co-coordinator of the Madison County Artist Market. "We are very excited to have a group of young artists from the advanced art class at the Madison County High School that will be participating in the sale this year. This is a great experience for the students as well who get to spend the day with other artists working in the real world."

The artist market is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday at the historic Courthouse in Danielsville. Admission is free.

For more information, call (706) 206-3071.

Third Annual Madison County Artist Market

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Old Madison County Courthouse, downtown Danielsville.

Information: lebowen@alltel.net.

Details: Handcrafted items from more than 25 local artists, including folk art, pottery, jewelry, glass, original block prints, baskets, painting, sculptures, metal works and fiber crafts will be for sale. Food and drinks also will be available.